A Tadworth pensioner is fighting being evicted from his home after the death of his mother more than 18 months ago.
Charlotte and Bernard Parkes
Bernard Parkes, 65, lives with his son and daughter in a three-bedroom house in Hatch Gardens, Tadworth and is embroiled in a civil case with landlords Raven Housing Trust.
After his mother passed away in November 2014, Mr Parkes, a retired postman, was initially assured he could stay at the house despite there being only two people living in a three-bedroom house.
But, he claims, he was later told he must leave despite his son moving in with him.
Raven Housing Trust, a social landlord that operates in Surrey and Sussex, advise that there are currently “almost 200 families in this area who may be homeless or overcrowded and in need of a 3 bedroom property”.
A spokesman for the Trust also said that Raven had offered Mr Parkes four alternative two-bedroom properties – all of which he had turned down.
Mr Parkes said: “Immediately after my mother’s death I wanted some reassurance, and they gave me that, but then suddenly changed tack.
“It is unacceptable to treat someone like this – especially one of their longest serving tenants.
“It would be a big blow to lose my home at my age, and for my daughter.
“She doesn’t want to move. She could be miles away from her place of work (Tadworth Leisure Centre).”
Mr Parkes injured his back and right ankle after falling off his bike while doing his rounds 15 years ago, and claims his health has deteriorated due to the stress from the ongoing court struggle.
Mr Parkes also suffers from severe breathlessness and a recently diagnosed heart condition.
“I’m slowly sneaking to a dark place,” he said.
“I thought I would be retiring in peace, but with all of this hassle I’ve had with Raven Housing Trust, it has impacted on my health.
“I just don’t want them to do this to anyone else.”
A Raven Housing Trust spokesman said: “Mr Parkes has a discretionary right to succeed to his mother’s tenancy.
“Our policy is to ensure that we offer an appropriate sized property in these circumstances. The current property has three bedrooms and is larger than the household needs.
“Mr Parkes and his adult daughter have been offered four alternative two-bedroom properties, all of which they have turned down.
“Raven has now applied to the county court to seek possession of the property.”
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